Abstract: An igniter for ignition over a wide air/fuel ratio range. Igniter includes an igniter body including an internal cavity disposed substantially within the igniter body, an internal spark gap disposed substantially within the internal cavity, an external spark gap disposed substantially on an exposed surface of the igniter body, and a fuel charge delivery system for delivering a fuel charge to the internal cavity.

Abstract: The torch jet spark plug comprises a shell with an insulator body concentrically disposed within at least a portion of the shell. A pre-chamber is concentrically disposed within at least a portion of the shell and at least a portion of the insulator body, the pre-chamber having an orifice disposed at a first end of the pre-chamber and at an insulator body first end. On at least a portion of a pre-chamber internal surface is an inner electrode comprising up to about 75 vol. % of a bonding agent, about 20 vol. % or greater of a catalytically active material, and about 5 vol. % or greater of a transition metal material. At least partially disposed within a second end of the insulator body, opposite the insulator body first end is an upper terminal. Finally, an upper electrode is disposed within the insulator body, between the inner electrode and the upper terminal, and in a spaced relation to the inner electrode.

Abstract: A composition for forming an electrode for use in a torch jet spark plug is provided. The composition comprises a ceramic material, ceramic particles, and an electrically conductive material. The ceramic particles are dispersed within the ceramic material. At least some of the ceramic particles have a predetermined size. This predetermined size is at least as large as the thickness of the finally formed electrode. The electrically conductive material is capable of being manipulated to form ribbons around the ceramic particles and of being sintered to form the electrode. The resultant electrode has good resistance to explosive erosion mechanisms, which consequently increases the life of the torch jet spark plug.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing ignition device (10) for use in a spark ignition system of an internal combustion engine. The device (10) generally includes a body (14) having a longitudinal axis of symmetry and an internal chamber (12). Disposed in the chamber (12) adjacent one end of the body (14) is an orifice (44) that vents the chamber (12) to the exterior of the body (14). An electrode (18) and an optical pressure transducer (24) are present within the body (14). An optical cable (22) is connected to the transducer (24) for transmitting an optical pressure signal. Means (20) is provided for conducting a current to the electrode (18) via the optical cable (22).

Abstract: A device for removing snow from sidewalks, driveways, and the like. The device is used principally as a plow for pushing the snow off to one side of a snow-covered path. Force which is applied through the handle of the device is distributed over the blade equally so that the blade will not veer from the path to be plowed. The blade is formed from a trapezoidal blank and is diagonally curved to give a sidewise thrust to the snow as it is pushed along the path to be cleaned.